31/10/2012 (Bernama) - The 10 Entry Point Projects (EPPs) identified to bolster Malaysia's biotechnology sector comprise projects related to biotechnology industry inputs.

They are bio-chemical material from renewable sources;bio-material from renewable sources; bio-based domestic plantation produce; high value domestic bio-material; high value diversified local food sources; and biosimilars.

Also on the list are pre-clinical services and medicinal findings; molecule screening and diagnostic services; and stem cell and regenerative medicine in Malaysia.

The projects were listed by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry in a statement issued to the media after the Biotechnology Implementation Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak here Tuesday.

The EPPs form part of the Bioeconomy Transformation Plan seen as the catalyst and complementary to the National Economic Transformation Programme, the ministry said.

"They provide the continuity to the focus of deliberations at the Biotechnology Implementation meeting last year to increase private sector investment and to reduce industries' reliance on public funding," it said.

Meanwhile, in line with the National Biomass Strategy, BiotechCorp, in collaboration with the Malaysian Debt Venture, will implement a pioneer project known as "MY2GEN" to offer a soft loan scheme to eligible oil palm millers to establish a bio-infrastructure aimed to turn biomass from oil palm waste to high value second generation feedstock with the cooperation of selected technology providers.